Starting pitcher Justin Verlander struck out a season-high 12 batters as the Detroit Tigers shutout the AL Central champion Cleveland Indians, 12-0, to pull within a game of the American League's second wild card spot. Miguel Cabrera homered and drove in five runs in the first two innings.

Verlander (16-8 ) went 7 & 2/3 innings, allowing only four hits and a walk. In the wild card race, Detroit are now a game behind Baltimore, who lost to Toronto, 5-1.

The Tigers will continue their playoff push when they face Cleveland again at Comerica Park this Wednesday night at 7 pm. The forecast for Wednesday & the rest of the week is calling for some degree of rain in the Motor City.